Screamin' Jay Hawkins

Screamin' Jay Hawkins (July 18, 1929 – February 12, 2000) was an American singer, songwriter, and actor. He was best known for his outrageous stage show which featured him performing in a coffin and wearing a cape. He is also remembered for his outrageous songs such as "I Put a Spell on You" and "Constipation Blues".

Hawkins's career began in the early 1950s when he recorded his debut single "I Put a Spell on You". The single became a hit and propelled Hawkins to fame. He followed up with a series of successful singles, including "Constipation Blues", "Little Demon", and "Frenzy". He released several albums during the 1950s and 1960s, including "At Home with Screamin' Jay Hawkins" (1958), "Frenzy" (1960), and "What That Is!" (1969).

Hawkins's signature song, "I Put a Spell on You", has been covered by numerous artists, including Nina Simone, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and Marilyn Manson. Hawkins himself re-recorded the song in 1988 and it became a hit again.

An interesting fact about Screamin' Jay Hawkins is that he was one of the first artists to use shock value to promote his music. His live performances featured him wearing a cape and performing in a coffin, which helped to create a sense of mystery and intrigue around his music.